“There was a lot of sitting and standing and sweating,” she added. “We had a chance to hear what the judges thought. Galen Weston (executive chairman of Loblaw Companies Ltd.) was there, which was excellent. He wasn’t at the category tapings, so it was really an honour to meet him.

“I remember standing up and my knees just feeling weak with every time that we were looking for the next person to be cut, so it was nerve-wracking. It was a real nail-biter.”

In the first five episodes, three contestants competed in the categories of desserts, entrees, savoury pies, appetizers and savoury snacks. The winner received $25,000 and the recipe became available across the country as a President’s Choice product.

After all five category episodes aired, viewers voted online for their favourite competitor, which turned out to be Belbin.

She was cheered on by her husband and parents.

She thinks her playful take on macaroni and cheese won over the judges “because it has the perfect mix of familiarity but with a twist that makes it unique and intriguing enough to really want to go out and try it.

“Everyone knows macaroni and cheese, but to have some kick in it with the Mexican twist and then being able to have it as a snack and finger food, it just makes it really appealing.”

Belbin, who enjoyed cooking from a young age, is no stranger to competitions.

In her spare time, she plays Ultimate Frisbee. She was a competitive figure skater growing up in St. John’s, and went to the Canada Games in 2001 for track and field.

She was looking forward to celebrating her win with her co-workers and friends and taking a trip to Europe with her husband.

“I think (the experience of ‘Recipe to Riches’) will give me new opportunities and new adventures that I can experience, which is what I think I’m looking forward to the most because that’s what I’m all about,” Belbin said.

“I’m all about new experiences and adventures and challenging myself and pushing myself and seeing what else is out there. That’s what I’m really excited for.”